THE VENERATION OF THE
SAINTS, SACRED IMAGES, AND RELICS (Cann. 1186 -
1190)

Can. 1186 To foster the sanctification of the people
of God, the Church commends to the special and filial reverence of the
Christian faithful the Blessed Mary ever Virgin, Mother of God, whom Christ
established as the mother of all people, and promotes the true and authentic
veneration of the other saints whose example instructs the Christian faithful
and whose intercession sustains them.

Can. 1187 It is permitted to reverence through
public veneration only those servants of God whom the authority of the Church
has recorded in the list of the saints or the blessed.

Can. 1188 The practice of displaying sacred images
in churches for the reverence of the faithful is to remain in effect.
Nevertheless, they are to be exhibited in moderate number and in suitable order
so that the Christian people are not confused nor occasion given for
inappropriate devotion.

Can. 1189 If they are in need of repair, precious
images, that is, those distinguished by age, art, or veneration, which are
exhibited in churches or oratories for the reverence of the faithful are never
to be restored without the written permission of the ordinary; he is to consult
experts before he grants permission.

Can. 1190 §1. It is absolutely forbidden to sell
sacred relics.

§2. Relics of great significance and other relics
honored with great reverence by the people cannot be alienated validly in any
manner or transferred permanently without the permission of the Apostolic See.

§3. The prescript of §2 is valid also for images
which are honored in some church with great reverence by the people.